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Tag: Discovery Channel

  • Discovery Channel’s unique docu-series ‘Planet Healers’ to feature India’s most promising start-ups seeking to find innovative solutions to environmental hazards

    Discovery Channel’s unique docu-series ‘Planet Healers’ to feature India’s most promising start-ups seeking to find innovative solutions to environmental hazards

     Mumbai – Bustling with more than 1.3 billion people, there is a huge pressure on resources and sustainable living that is in turn leading to India grappling with several environmental issues like air and water pollution, and those related to plastic and solid waste management. According to a WHO report, 9 of its top 10 polluted cities in the world are in India. The Ganges is amongst the 10 most polluted rivers in the world. Notably, India lost an average of 63 football fields worth of forest land every day between 2014 and 2017. The country produces almost 1,00,000 metric tonnes of waste every day. There is an urgent need for us to find long-term sustainable solutions.

    Recognizing the problem, Discovery Channel, India’s leading destination for factual entertainment, is set to air a four-part original docu-series ‘Planet Healers’ featuring eight of India’s most promising environment friendly start-ups, who are innovating ways to pave a path to a sustainable tomorrow. The show has garnered traction from marquee advertisers – Cars24.com has come on board as an Associate sponsor while 100 Pipers and Housing.com have come on board as Co – Powered by Sponsors. To be hosted by Bollywood actor, Jim Sarbh, the series will deep dive into the journey of how these start-ups are working out innovative technology led solutions to environmental hazards faced by our country.  This first of its kind series will premiere on 8th March 2019 at 7 pm on Discovery Channel and Discovery HD World.

    The selected start-ups are focused on multiple issues. For example, Farm2Energy claims to have found a solution to use stubble – burning of stubble burning creates air pollution crisis in Northern India every winter.  Absolute Water converts 17 lakh liters of sewage water into drinking water every day while Saahas Zero Waste specializes in treating and recycling waste without disturbing the ecosystem. NaMo E Waste is working towards not just recycling but also ensuring safe disposal of e-waste. Afforest creates natural, wild, maintenance free, native forests using Miyawaki technique.  Rudra converts plastic into poly fuel on the other hand Chakr Innovation has created world’s first retro-fit emission control device for diesel generators which can capture over 90% of particulate matter emissions. Urban Kissan empowers people to grow their own safe, fresh and high-quality food with the help of Hydroponic farming technique.

    “Planet Healers is not just a TV show; it is an attempt by Discovery to create mass awareness about environmental hazards faced by our country which will have significant long-term impact,” said, Zulfia Waris, Vice President, Premium & Digital networks, Discovery Communications India. “We have focused this series on individuals who have dedicated themselves to create innovative technology led solutions for the conservation and preservation of our planet. They are common people with uncommon ambitions and incredible self-belief who are making a difference.”

    Speaking about the show, the host, Jim Sarbh said, “I don’t believe in the separation between mankind and nature. Mankind is nature. It is only natural, that nature would find a way to heal itself, through mankind. And so, it falls to us to create solutions and products that not only serve our purpose but also help save the environment. Discovery Channel’s Planet Healers will provide a look into how businesses can exist for more than just making profits, how they can help create a better and sustainable future.”

    The special screenings of Planet Healers have been scheduled for the prestigious collages like Indian Institute of Technology and Indian School of Business to inspire and encourage the new age upcoming technicians, engineers and aspiring entrepreneurs.  Get ready to be inspired by eight environment friendly startups with Planet Healers, a Discovery Channel Original that will premiere on 8th March 2019 every Friday at 7 PM only on Discovery Channel and Discovery HD World.

  • Discovery Channel to premiere epic Docu-Drama ‘First Man’

    Discovery Channel to premiere epic Docu-Drama ‘First Man’

    MUMBAI: Who are we? Where did we come from? What makes us human? The two hour special First Man, premiering on Discovery Channel on January 15 at 9:00 pm, takes viewers on a journey back 25 million years to explore the ancestral roots of man at the time of the great apes. Featuring stunning cinematography and incredibly realistic and accurate portrayals, First Man follows the story of one primate tribe with exceptional skills, highlighting the social, cultural and biological constructs that shaped their evolution into modern man.

    First Man takes us back 25 million years, bringing the stages of evolution to life through the story of a tribe of great apes. Which of our ancestors took that first step toward becoming the First Man?

    Drawing on some of the most recent, spectacular scientific discoveries, First Man provides a new perspective on humanity's common history. Among the startling new revelations: most of the great apes began walking on two legs in the trees, much earlier than previous theories had indicated; laughter is a primal characteristic, with the great apes guffawing long before modern man; and that familial and social structure were important, with evidence indicating the great apes valued relationships and were the first politicians of sorts.

    The captivating film is directed by Frédéric Fougea and Jérome Guiot, with scientific direction from Pascal Picq, the renowned paleoanthropologist at France's elite Collége de France. It features strikingly realistic characters brought to life through prosthetics and makeup based on authentic fossilized skulls and teeth and performed by the special effects makeup team who worked on 2015's The Revenant, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

    “We are very excited to offer our viewers this fascinating docu drama which reveals that there’s much more to human being’s collective history than we ever thought,” said, Zulfia Waris, V.P Premium & Digital networks, Discovery Communications India.

    First Man is produced by France's Nilaya Productions, led by Patricia Boutinard Rouelle. The 90-minute film is a follow-up to the Odyssey of the Species, Homo Sapiens and Rise of Man trilogy, which Rouelle conceived for French public television and went on to attract top audience ratings in 40 countries.

    "In the decade since our first groundbreaking look at the origins of man, both the scientific knowledge and technology we have to depict this story have progressed so much. It's thrilling to present this new look at our ancestors in such realistic detail," Rouelle said. "This is the story of us, and for the first time, thanks to these incredible advances, we can truly see glimpses of ourselves in these early primates."

  • DISCOVERY channel to premiere ‘Extreme Jobs with Tim Kennedy’ from 17th December

    DISCOVERY channel to premiere ‘Extreme Jobs with Tim Kennedy’ from 17th December

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel to premiere no holds barred series EXTREME JOBS WITH TIM KENNEDY hosted by Special Forces Sniper and fearless Green Beret, Tim Kennedy. The series follows Tim around the United States, as he puts the spotlight on country’s toughest workers by putting himself in harm’s way to attempt some of the most dangerous jobs.

    Tim Kennedy is an active, Ranger qualified, Green Beret, Special Forces Sniper who has served tours in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations around the globe. He is also a top 5 professional MMA fighter with grit and dedication to the values of hard work and humility.

     From scaling 1500 feet to the top of a TV Mast Tower to travelling to the Mojave Desert to push the boundaries of flight, Tim works with experts in each field to learn some of today’s most dangerous jobs, where one mistake can be deadly. At the end of each training, Tim will put the skills he learned to the test to see if he truly has what it takes to accomplish the jobs of everyday heroes. Regardless of the outcome, Tim will walk away with a greater respect for those that push the limits and put their lives on the line.

    ‘Extreme Jobs with Tim Kennedy’ is produced for Discovery by Karga 7 Pictures. For Karga 7 Pictures, executive producers are Sarah Wetherbee, Emre Sahin, Kelly McPherson, Jason Wolf, and Chris Bray. For Discovery Channel, executive producer is Russ McCarroll.

  • Discovery channel aims to start a movement with ‘India’s Citizen Squad’

    Discovery channel aims to start a movement with ‘India’s Citizen Squad’

    MUMBAI: India’s leading destination for factual entertainment Discovery Channel will premiere ‘India’s Citizen Squad’, a first of its kind military-based show, featuring selected civilians who are eager to change Indian society for the better. The 12-member strong India’s Citizen Squad, selected from thousands of entries, will under-go an ultimate endurance boot camp – comprising of intense physical and mental challenges – under the supervision of former special forces experts. This training will help these civilians to become first responders in case of emergency situations. The 5-episode series premiers November 30 at 9:00 pm on Discovery Channel and Discovery HD World. 

    The selected contestants have varied backgrounds including an engineer, sports management professional, doctor, martial arts trainer, fitness enthusiast and a budding journalist. The India’s Citizen Squad has representation across the country including Delhi, Uttarakhand, Mumbai, Kashmir, Haryana, Karnataka, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. They will undergo training at a specially created India’s Citizen Squad camp to be headed by Col. Manish Sarin, a veteran from the Gorkha Rifles, and along with him will be 5 ex-special forces soldiers from the MARCOS, NSG and the Para SF.

    India’s Citizen Squad has attracted marquee advertisers including LIC, Indian Oil Corporation India and Bajaj Dominar 400 as Co-Powered by Sponsors.

    “India’s Citizen Squad is much more than a TV show – it is an attempt to inspire citizens to start a movement wherein each one of us comes forward and respond in case of an emergency even before the official help comes in. The Indian Citizen Squad, after getting intensive training, will be motivated and geared to be the exemplary citizen and set an example for others to emulate,” said, Zulfia Waris, V.P Premium & Digital networks, Discovery Communications India.

    Col. Manish Sarin, Camp Commander of India’s Citizen Squad, said, “The concept of India's Citizen Squad intrigued me. Imagine a bunch of youngsters, willing to go through the toughest of training, just so that they can contribute better as citizens. What would drive them to push themselves so hard, and whether they would really be able to walk the talk. To me, it is a test of faith in India's youth.”

    India’s Citizen Squad will premiere on Discovery Channel, Discovery HD World and on Veer by Discovery, India’s first dedicated military channel available on YouTube. 

  • Hill+Knowlton Strategies India wins communication mandate for Discovery India

    Hill+Knowlton Strategies India wins communication mandate for Discovery India

    MUMBAI: After a competitive multi-agency pitch, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, one of India’s premier communications consultancies, has been awarded the communications mandate for the country’s leading infotainment player – Discovery Communications India and its portfolio of channels in India including Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Discovery HD World, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Kids, Discovery JEET, Animal Planet HD World, TLC HD World and Discovery Tamil. The appointment will see Hill+Knowlton Strategies rollout strategic communications solutions for the network’s channels to drive greater engagement with viewers across India.

    Confirming the appointment, Sameer Bajaj, Director, Corporate Communications & External Affairs, Discovery Communications India, said, “We are delighted to partner with Hill+Knowlton Strategies, India as our strategic communications partner to deliver our vision as a brand, better engage with viewers and drive our narrative in a more compelling manner. Their strong experience in media & entertainment, in-depth understanding of our market requirements and passion gave us the confidence to award them this mandate. I believe, together as a team, we will further strengthen the Discovery brand in India.”

    Commenting on the win, Kavita Rao, President & CEO, India, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, said, “We are thrilled that Discovery Communications has chosen us to partner them in managing their strategic communications of their corporate brand as well strong portfolio of brands in the country. With committed teams and our in-depth domain knowledge and experience across sectors, H+K India is well positioned to drive the desired impact and outcome for Discovery Communications India.”

    Hill+Knowlton Strategies India has a strong track record in the media and entertainment sector, working with clients such as Sony Entertainment Television (SET), Sony Music, Times Network and in the past with Colours from Viacom and Turner Broadcasting

  • Discovery Channel to premiere ‘MOONBOUND: INDIA’S RACE TO THE MOON’, a real story of a privately funded Indian start-up that aimed for the moon

    Discovery Channel to premiere ‘MOONBOUND: INDIA’S RACE TO THE MOON’, a real story of a privately funded Indian start-up that aimed for the moon

    MUMBAI: Discovery, the leading infotainment channel, will premiere a one-hour special show titled MOONBOUND: INDIA’S RACE TO THE MOON based on the exciting journey of TeamIndus on 30th October at 9 PM. The show captures the best of this eventful and enlightening seven-year journey of a team which germinated with a group of friends coming together and went on to become TeamIndus.

    It started in 2007 when The Google Lunar XPRIZE was announced—the largest incentivized space exploration challenge in human history. A small group of friends came together and coughed up personal resources to register last minute as the only Indian team in the global contest. This young enthusiast team, with no aerospace background, had the grit, the tenacity to take on the best in the world in their endeavor to win the $30 million, Google Lunar XPRIZE.

    MOONBOUND: INDIA’S RACE TO THE MOON has garnered huge traction from marquee advertisers. The on-air broadcast of the show is Co-Presented by Amazon Echo and Co-Powered by Levi Strauss and PUBG, Nokia as the Mobile Partner. Sony Bravia, ForeverMark, Idea 4G, Honda Motorcycles and Phillips Trimmer have come on board as Associate sponsors.

    Conceived in a server room in Noida, near India’s capital, Rahul Narayan helmed the whole challenge and took the first step of deciding to participate in this global lunar race. He started looking out for people who would join him out of sheer passion unaware about the challenges the team would face as the race would progress. An inhouse robotic rover named ‘Ek Choti si Asha’ was designed with the Ackerman steering concept and a deployable masthead.

    What happened next? Don’t miss to watch MOONBOUND: INDIA’S RACE TO THE MOON that brings to you a spectacular journey of an aerospace startup that came together, to reach for the moon!  Can they possibly meet the harsh technical demands of a lunar mission? And even so, from where will they raise the enormous amount needed to get to the moon!  Pitted against several resourceful teams from across the globe, does TeamIndus stand a chance to win this race for space?

  • Running Wild with Bear Grylls’ on Discovery channel gets extraordinary traction from advertisers

    Running Wild with Bear Grylls’ on Discovery channel gets extraordinary traction from advertisers

    MUMBAI: The premiere of new series Running Wild with Bear Grylls on Discovery and Discovery World HD has received extraordinary traction from the advertisers. Entire ad-inventory for the show has been sold out –  Amazon Firestick & Maruti Suzuki Arena have come on board as the co-presenting sponsors; Fossil, Fogg, Vivo and Forevermark have come on board as Co-powered by sponsors while Top Ramen is the associate sponsor.

    Running Wild with Bear Grylls is a reality show that takes celebrities and tests their wilderness-survival skills on an adventure trip. It includes big names, and even bigger adventures along with the host Bear Grylls like Tennis Legend Roger Federer and other big-name celebrities from the world of showbiz joining Bear include Lena Heady from Game of Thrones, Don Cheadle, American actor Joseph Gordon and actress Uzo Aduba from Orange is the New Black.

    Speaking on the occasion, Vikram Tanna, VP, Head of Advertising Sales and Business Head of Regional Clusters, Discovery Communications India, said, “Bear Grylls is much admired, adulated for his survival techniques by millions of fans across the country. The Running Wild Series is even more endearing as he takes celebrities from varied fields beyond their limits.  We are delighted with the advertisers’ response to the show – it is a good harbinger to the line-up of exciting new shows that we have lined-up this festive season.”

  • Discovery channel hunts for citizen heroes

    Discovery channel hunts for citizen heroes

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel, a destination for factual entertainment, has started the search for citizen heroes who want to change India for the better. The channel has brought on board ex-military specialists who will shortlist and train 10 citizen heroes, aka change agents of the society.

    The shortlisted citizen heroes will feature in an atypical military based show India’s Citizen Squad to be aired in the month of November 2018.

    Discovery Communications India VP- premium and digital networks Zulfia Waris said, “There are citizens, who have the courage, the strength to take a stand for what is right. Those, who don’t want to be another dim face in a silent crowd. We are looking for such heroes. The aim is to train them and make them stronger physically, mentally so that they become the change agents of the society. We need to be the change, to make the change.”

    Guided by ex-military specialists, India’s Citizen Squad, comprising of 10 ordinary citizens, will under-go ultimate endurance boot camp – a series of intense physical and mental challenges pushing the limits of their body and mind.  This is not your typical elimination driven reality show, it is a test against self to see if the mind has the will and strength to push the body to complete the challenges.  The chosen India’s citizen squad will have to accomplish a new dare-devil mission in each episode of the show. 

    Major Vivek Jacob (retd), para (special forces), Indian army, who will play a key role in training India’s Citizen Squad, said, “Special forces is about focus, grit, will, intelligence, balance, strength, endurance and a whole lot of heart. The ability to bring all of that together and focus it on one point – your dream. To choose, focus, walk and achieve what most people don’t even dare to dream about. We are going to test you – physically, emotionally and mentally to see if you’ve got what it takes to get through a week of what we do over a lifetime.”

  • Discovery joins hands with BYJU’S for quiz show

    Discovery joins hands with BYJU’S for quiz show

    MUMBAI: Discovery Communications India and BYJU’S, the Learning App, has joined hands to launch a school quiz show called the Discovery School Super League.

    Layered into three rounds – at school level, city level and state level, the quiz will culminate into a six-episode TV quiz show that will premiere on Discovery Channel, Discovery HD World, Discovery Science and Discovery Kids starting February 2019. The show will reach out to 12000+ schools across 30 states and union territories hosting the initial on-ground round, targeting 25 lakh students in the age-group between eight to 14 years.

    Discovery Communications India VP, head of advertising sales and business head of regional clusters Vikram Tanna said, “There is natural affinity between Discovery – a brand synonymous with satisfying the curiosity of inquisitive minds, and BYJU’S – The Learning App – that makes learning  a fun activity. Together we will be able to engage with school students and create great value for the channel, the partners and the students alike.”

    A true PAN-India initiative, the final round will see representatives of 30 states battling it out on the largest quizzing platform. The winners of the inaugural edition of Discovery School Super League Powered by BYJU’S will get a special prize of an all-expense paid trip to NASA.

    BYJU’S COO Mrinal Mohit said,  “Both the teams have worked closely to create a quiz show which will encourage students to approach learning with a whole new perspective. Celebrating the importance of life-long learning, this quiz show aims at making learning fun, exciting and engaging.”

    He further added, “With 20 million students learning from us today, the unprecedented scale of this nationwide project excites us even further.”

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  • Discovery Channel to premier Breaking Point: Indian Air Force Academy starting 4th June at 9 PM

    Discovery Channel to premier Breaking Point: Indian Air Force Academy starting 4th June at 9 PM

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel, India’s leading destination for factual entertainment, is launching a special series on the Air Force Academy as a part of its extremely popular Breaking Point franchise. The new series gives a never seen before look into the training imparted at India’s premier Air Force training institution – Air Force Academy located at Dundigul, Hyderabad which is instrumental in shaping the future Air Warriors.

    Breaking Point: Indian Air Force Academy was launched at a press conference in New Delhi in the presence of senior officials from Indian Air Force and Discovery Communications India. Air Marshal Amit Tiwari VM, Commandant Air Force Academy, presided over the function.

    Breaking Point: Indian Air Force Academy, packed with emotions including grit, pride, fear and utmost patriotism, captures the life of 4 cadets – Mudit Tewari, Priya Sharma, Amogh Bhandralia and Kartik Thakur – who are in various stages of their training at the Academy.

    The 4-episode series of Breaking Point: Indian Air Force Academy will premiere on Discovery Channel every Monday starting June 04 at 9:00 pm and on Veer by Discovery, India’s first dedicated military channel, available on JIO TV and YouTube. 

    The telecast of Breaking Point series on Air Force Academy follows the successful premier of the series on Indian Submariners earlier this year which has delivered impressive results – notching unduplicated reach of 1.7 crore* over the past two months (March 19-May 22) on Discovery channel and more than 59 lakh cumulative views on Veer by Discovery.

    Breaking Point: Indian Air Force Academy has attracted marquee advertisers including Mahindra XUV 500 as a Co-presenting Sponsor; Co-powered by Airtel 4G and VIVO Mobiles while Blue Star Air Conditioning and Fortune VIVO are onboard as Associate Sponsors.

    Speaking on the occasion, Air Vice Marshal SP Dharkar AVSM, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training), said, “The Breaking Point series on Discovery channel has emerged as the go-to series for all defence enthusiasts across the country. We are delighted to work with Discovery as we aim to a) inspire the youth of India to look at the Air Force as a career opportunity and b) inspire our countrymen, offering a never-seen-before insight into the life of an Air Force officer; their journey from a cadet to a Flying officer; the efforts they put in to flying the fighter jets and defend the nation when needed.”

    “The Breaking Point series has clearly emerged as break through programming here in India. We are aiming to break the 2 crore unduplicated reach benchmark with Breaking Point: Indian Air Force Academy,” said, Zulfia Waris, Vice-President & Head, Premium & Digital Networks, Discovery Communications India. “The journey from civilian to earning your wings is tough and nerve wracking. Each stage of this course has its own story, its own trials and tribulations and Discovery gives you an all-access pass to witness these transformations.”